EBRD-led Sustainable Tourism Plan for Rhodes Underway

Rhodes is next in line for the implementation of a pilot plan for sustainable destination development focusing on creating a tourism identity as well as improving the overall traveler experience.

The Rhodes project is one of two destination management plans – the other has been designed for Santorini – as well as a destination management guide for the development of corresponding plans at other destinations in Greece. The project was developed by a consortium of consultants including Team Tourism Consulting and Yellow Railroad from the UK, and Greek destination marketing agency Toposophy with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the tourism ministry, the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), and the Cyclades and Dodecanese chambers.

The plan is mainly aimed at extending the tourist season and targeting MICE tourism.

Key measures and actions include the establishment of a Conference (MICE) Office for the organized promotion of conference packages, large events or international meetings; broadening the scope of cultural tourism products as well as special interest activities such as pottery lessons, writing workshops, cooking, wine-making; developing a brand name and a promotion plan as well as guidelines for local tourism operators; designing and promoting green investment, education and corporate social responsibility training programs; enhancing the Old City  experience; introducing walking routes in the city of Rhodes; removing illegal or unnecessary signs; developing new activities to promote the involvement of residents and visitors; and creating a quality certification system for hotels and restaurants promoting local products and recipes.